Things to do in Cona
Explore top experiences
Top 10 attractions in Cona
Lhoyü Valley
Lebu Valley, where Lebu means a good place in Tibetan. It boasts a pleasant climate, rich biodiversity, stunning landscapes, and is filled with birdsong and fragrant flowers. It remains green all year round, blooming with beautiful rhododendrons, jasmines, Chinese roses, and a variety of unnamed wildflowers, making it a true wonder of the Western Plateau.Cona · 18.9 km from downtown
Potala Palace
The Potala Palace is the symbol of Xizang and a sacred place in the hearts of all pilgrims! "Potala" is a Sanskrit word, also translated as "Putuo", which originally refers to the residence of Guanyin Bodhisattva. When you come here, you can not only view the large number of historical relics collected in the palace, appreciate the wonderful architectural art of the Tibetan people, but also have a baptism of the soul in that holy atmosphere. The origin of the Potala Palace According to historical records: In the 1930s of the seventh century AD, the 33rd Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo moved the capital to Lhasa and began to build the Potala Palace. Since then, major religious and political ceremonies have been held here, and it has become the ruling center of Xizang integration of politics and religion. The White Palace and the Red Palace The Potala Palace has a distinct Tibetan style and is majestic. It is the existing complete palace-style building complex in Xizang and is known as one of the world's top ten earth buildings. Its main buildings are divided into two parts: the White Palace and the Red Palace. The White Palace is named after its white exterior wall. It is the place where the lamas live and conduct political activities. Because the sun shines all day long, it is called the East and West Sunlight Palaces. The Red Palace is located at the top center of the Potala Palace. Its outer wall is red and it consists of many stupas and various Buddhist temples. Historical relics The Potala Palace houses and preserves a large number of historical relics, including stupas, statues, murals, thangkas, scriptures and books, as well as gold books, jade books, gold seals granted by the emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties, which show the historical relationship between the Xizang local government and the central government, as well as gold and silver wares, jade wares, porcelain, enamel and handicrafts. Among them, the eight stupas from the fifth generation are eye-catching. They are all magnificent and decorated with a dazzling array of gems, which can be called a palace of art.China · Lhasa
Basomtso
Pagsom Co is also known as Gongga Lake. It means "three rocks" in Tibetan. Located in Gongbo'gyamda County, it is a sacred lake of the Nyingma Branch of Tibetan Buddhism. The shape of Pagsom Co is like a crescent embedded in the deep valley. The water is clear, reflecting the surrounding snowy mountains and primordial forests. The Tsozong Gongba Monastery stands on Tashi Island and was built during the late Tang Dynasty. The reefs on the island are carved into images of animals and Buddha statues. Tsozong Gongba Monastery is a two-story structure of earth and wooden materials. The three statues, Chenresig, Guru Rimpoché and Sakya Thukpa, are worshiped here.China · Gongbo'gyamda
Yamdrok Yumtso
Yamdrok Yumtso means "swan pool" in Tibetan and is also called Yamdrok Yumtso Lake, locally referred to as "Yang Lake" for short. Along with Namtso and Mapam Yumtso, it is known as one of the three holy lakes of Xizang. Located on the south bank of the Yarlung Zangbo River in Nagarze County, Shannan City, the lake surface sits at an elevation of approx. 4400 m, making it a relatively large inland lake on the northern foothills of the Himalayas. Yamdrok Yumtso has numerous branching inlets and winding tributaries, resembling coral branches spreading among the mountains when viewed from above, hence its Tibetan name "upper coral lake." The lake water displays alternating layers of blue and green under different lighting conditions. The lake is dotted with over a dozen small islands and is home to plateau fish species such as the fine-scaled fish, Xizang schizothoracin, and plateau naked carp. It is also an important waterbird habitat in southern Xizang, where migratory birds like swans, bar-headed geese, yellow ducks, and ospreys gather in flocks along the lakeshore and on the central islands to overwinter each winter. Yamdrok Yumtso is more impressive when viewed from afar than up close. After crossing the Gambala Pass at an altitude of about 5,000 meters, the view suddenly opens up, and the winding lake surface can be seen like a ribbon below—a classic angle to admire Yamdrok Yumtso. Descending the winding mountain road for about half an hour leads to the lakeshore, with multiple viewing platforms along the way for stopping to take photos and appreciate the changing colors of the lake and the interplay of mountains and water from different heights.China · Nagarze County
Jokhang Temple
Jokhang Temple, known as "Jokhang" in Tibetan and also called "Tsulag Khang," is the ultimate destination for Tibetan Buddhist devotees. In their hearts, Jokhang Temple is as sacred as the Potala Palace. Both geographically and spiritually, Jokhang Temple is the true holy site and center of Tibetan Buddhism, holding an exceptionally lofty and pure status in Tibetan Buddhist history. Built in the mid-7th century by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo to enshrine the 8-year-old life-sized statue of Sakyamuni brought by his Nepalese princess Bhrikuti from her hometown of Kathmandu, Jokhang Temple gained further prominence in 1409 when Tsongkhapa, the founder of the Gelug school, propagated Buddhist teachings and held the Great Prayer Festival here, solidifying its pivotal role in Tibetan Buddhist history. In the 8th century, the 12-year-old life-sized statue of Sakyamuni brought by Princess Wencheng of the Tang Dynasty from Chang'an was enshrined in Jokhang Temple, becoming its most treasured relic and a must-see for travelers and pilgrims alike. In addition, the temple houses nearly 1 km-long Tibetan-style murals depicting "Princess Wencheng's journey to Tibet" and "The construction of Jokhang Temple," as well as two embroidered thangkas of guardian deities from the Ming Dynasty, which are rare artistic treasures. Lhasa has three circumambulation routes—inner, middle, and outer—all centered around Jokhang Temple. The inner route, called "Nangkhor," circles the Jokhang Hall within the temple. The middle route, called "Barkhor," goes around the outer perimeter of Jokhang Temple. The outer route, called "Lingkhor," encompasses the Potala Palace, Chakpori Hill, Ramoche Temple, and Jokhang Temple. Attraction guide: Entering Jokhang Temple through the main gate leads to a courtyard. On the east side of the courtyard are rows of butter lamps, which remain lit year-round as devotees replenish the butter daily. Behind the butter lamps is the main entrance to Jokhang Temple's central hall. To the left of the entrance is a statue of Padmasambhava, founder of the Nyingma school, and to the right is Jampa Buddha, also known as Maitreya or the Future Buddha. The right wall features murals depicting the temple's founding, including scenes of the Potala Palace in the 7th century and the lake-filling construction of Jokhang Temple. Proceeding clockwise, visitors encounter the chapel dedicated to Tsongkhapa, founder of the Gelug school, and his eight disciples. Continuing right, passing the Yaksha and Naga chapels, and beyond hundreds of butter lamps lies the renowned "Jokhang" Hall—the heart and essence of the temple. At its center is the main assembly hall, where monks chant and meditate, surrounded by smaller chapels. The unmissable highlight is the central chapel housing the 12-year-old life-sized golden statue of Sakyamuni, brought by Princess Wencheng. This sacred center of Jokhang Temple is the ultimate destination for devout pilgrims. Stairs beside the courtyard lead to the second and third floors. The second floor features the Dharmaraja Chapel, with statues of King Songtsen Gampo, Princess Wencheng, and Princess Bhrikuti, as well as the Palden Lhamo Chapel dedicated to the protective deity. The spacious terrace on the second floor offers a panoramic view of the Potala Palace, making it an ideal photo spot. The third floor's golden roofs are another attraction, though this level is rarely open to the public. If fortunate enough to ascend, visitors are awestruck by the four resplendent golden pinnacles.China · Lhasa
Princess Wencheng Theater
Princess Wencheng Theater is located in Cijuelin Valley on the south bank of Lhasa River. It reconstructs the epic of marriage 1,300 years ago with an open-air stage at an altitude of more than 3,000 meters. This high-altitude live-action theater, backed by the mountains projected by the Potala Palace, uses the natural mountain as a curtain, and uses the starry sky, snow-capped peaks and Tibetan watchtowers to interpret the magnificent chapter of the integration of Han and Tibetan civilizations. The core of the theater is the 90-minute large-scale live-action drama "Princess Wencheng". On the stage of more than 20,000 square meters, more than a dozen Tibetan and Han actors recreate the legend of the princess carrying the life-size statue of Sakyamuni at the age of 12 into Tibet with scenes such as galloping horses, moving Buddhist temples, and pouring waterfalls. Scenes such as the collapse of the Winter Palace, the snowy wedding, and the Tibetan wedding, combined with laser-projected thangkas and real herds of cattle and sheep, draw the audience into the torrent of history. The theater is surrounded by rich supporting facilities, and the Princess Wencheng Tibetan Cultural Park is full of special cultural and creative products. Every time there is a performance, there will be a grand garden party, which is very lively.China · Lhasa
Barkhor Street
Barkhor Street, also known as Bajiao Street located in Lhasa, Tibet. The street is a well known ancient street representing the culture and folk customs of Tibet. While walking on the street, you can experience what life was like in the past, and experience the food and culture of natives to Lhasa. You can view and learn things from traditional dress, and dances, to traditional meals, to the architecture of the town itself, which has been well preserved throughout the years. Barkhor Street is a must-visit location to experience in Lhasa.China · Lhasa
Tibet Museum
The Tibet Museum is located across the road in the east of Norbulingka in Lhasa City. It is the first museum with modern functions in Tibet. There are many precious cultural relics in the museum, showing the splendid culture and long history of the unique charm of the Tibetan nation. The museum is divided into three floors, the first floor is a tourist souvenir shop, the second floor is a Tibetan history exhibition, and the third floor is special exhibitions and temporary exhibitions such as thangkas, animals and plants, and jade. The exhibition hall of the museum consists of four major parts: prehistoric culture, indivisible history, culture and art, and folk culture. Each exhibition hall displays a wealth of treasures in the collection, such as statues of Buddha and Bodhisattva in various textures and shapes, handwritten Tibetan classics dipped in gold powder, silver powder, coral powder, etc. Jade sticks used in rituals, colorful thangkas, various musical instruments and instruments, handicrafts with distinctive national characteristics, pottery with unique styles, etc., from Tibetan history, culture, art, religion, folk customs, etc. It shows the audience the splendid culture and long history of the Tibetan people's unique charm. The prehistoric culture exhibition hall displays the stone chips, stone cores and other Paleolithic tools of daily life excavated in northern Tibet in the early days, as well as stone adzes, stone axes, stone chisels and stone clusters, bone cones, bones unearthed in Qamdo in the late Neolithic Age. The needles and various red, grey and black pottery utensils completely reproduce several representative eras before Tibet entered a civilized society: the Paleolithic, Neolithic, Bronze Age and Iron Age. The inseparable history exhibition hall intuitively reveals that Tibet has been an important and inseparable part of China since ancient times through some precious historical materials. The two exhibition halls of culture and art and folk culture vividly show the audience the long history and splendid culture of Tibet with exquisite Buddhist statues, thangkas, pottery, scriptures and other precious cultural relics. A must-see in all the collections of the Fifth Golden Seal is the Fifth Golden Seal. At that time, Ngawang Lobsang Gyatso went to Beijing for pilgrimage in order to obtain the support of the central government of the Qing Dynasty, and he was bestowed upon him after the fifth Ngawang Lhasang Gyatso was enshrined in Shunzhi. The golden seal is made of pure gold and weighs 8.5 kilograms. The seals are written in Han, Tibetan, Manchu and Mongolian. In addition, there is also a legend that Princess Wencheng drew a "witch map" thangka about the terrain of the Tibetan area. In the picture, a witch is lying on her back. There are temples built in twelve important parts of her body, such as the joints and the heart. The Jokhang Temple is located at the heart of the witch, which has a profound meaning. Audio guides are available in the museum and can be rented for free at the gate. Entering the exhibition hall, in front of different exhibits, you can hear the explanations of the exhibits in four languages including Tibetan, Chinese, Japanese and English. For the protection of cultural relics, the museum stipulates that photography is not allowed in the exhibition hall, please follow the regulations.China · Lhasa
Kadinggou Scenic Area
Kadinggou Attraction, also known as Kading Tianfo Waterfall Forest Attraction, is located on the banks of the Niyang River, 24 kilometers from Bayi Town on National Highway 318. The valley is full of towering ancient trees and gurgling water, and the environment is very beautiful. The cliffs on both sides have peculiar shapes, with various images such as big Buddhas and animals. There is also a 200-meter-high Tianfo Waterfall in the depths of the canyon, which is very beautiful. Kadinggou Scenic Attraction is not large. There are steps and plank roads in the Attraction, and you can walk around in about an hour. The main attraction in the Attraction is Tianfo Waterfall. Going up to the viewing platform, the silver chain-like water flows on the cliff, which is very spectacular. When the waterfall is small, it floats down like a silver chain, and when the water is large, it is magnificent and thrilling. There is a naturally formed Buddha statue on the rock wall behind the waterfall. It is said that this is the patron saint of Tibetan compatriots in Linzhi area. The face is clear, as if it was artificially carved. There are male and female guardians on both sides of the Buddha statue, and they are also solemn and lifelike. The female guardian Bandan Lhamo on the right is about 100 meters tall. You can vaguely see that she is wearing a veil, a ribbon around her waist, and holding Buddhist beads. Her image is lifelike; on the left is Jigong worshipping Buddha, and her image is equally lifelike. In addition to the heavenly Buddha and the guardians on both sides, there are also naturally formed abstract Buddhist landscapes around the cliff, such as Tathagata, Guanyin, Lama chanting, divine turtle calling the sky, divine eagle offering treasures, and butter lamps. Although they are also lifelike, they still require a little imagination. It is said that people with a predestined relationship with Buddhism can better see their forms. Under the waterfall, local Tibetans often support their elderly parents to come here to worship, hang prayer flags and offer Hada.China · Nyingchi
Temple Visits in Lhasa
China · Lhasa
Free things to do in Cona
Lhoyü Valley
Cona · 18.9 km from downtownPotala Palace
China · LhasaBasomtso
China · Gongbo'gyamdaYamdrok Yumtso
China · Nagarze CountyBarkhor Street
China · LhasaTibet Museum
China · Lhasa
Norbulingka
China · Lhasa
Sichuan-Tibet Highway
China · Maizhokunggar
Lhasa River
China · Lhasa
Zashi Lhamo Temple
China · Lhasa
What travellers say about Cona
好景致July 28, 2023
5.0
Lebu Valley is the Chinese-controlled zone in the Menyu region, which includes four Menba townships (Gongri, Jiba, Mama, Le Township). It is a southward-extending canyon in the eastern section of the Himalayas, from the Bora Pass at an altitude of 4,500 meters to the bottom of the Lebu Valley at an altitude of 2,800 meters. The Menyu region is Lebu Valley plus the Indian-controlled Tawang region.
Tsangyang Gyatso was born here in 1683. He is the only Dalai Lama who is neither Tibetan nor Mongolian. Although he is talented, he is indeed a victim of the power struggle.
In 1962, General Zhang Guohua commanded the self-defense counterattack against India on the border here.
Lhoyü Valley
M29***03September 30, 2026
5.0
Our tour guide, Mr. Cheng, was very handsome, gave a very detailed explanation, and had excellent service. If you have the chance, you must experience the charm of the Potala Palace. Highly recommended! 👍👍👍
Potala Palace
milinkunOctober 21, 2026
5.0
First, let's talk about transportation.
If you're staying inside the scenic area, you can complete the necessary procedures at the main gate (in the small building to the right of the security guard's office after entering) and drive into the scenic area free of charge. If you're just visiting, park your car in the outdoor parking lot and take the scenic area shuttle bus.
Second, let's talk about the environment.
The scenic area is very large. Even without considering the four valleys, driving from the entrance to the other side of the scenic area takes several tens of minutes. The scenic area follows a single road along the lake, and the weather can be unpredictable, with periods of rain followed by periods of sunshine. On sunny days, it's quite beautiful.
Next, let's talk about service.
The entrance to the scenic area is a bit chaotic. On the left is the visitor center, and on the right, in a small building resembling a security office, you can complete the procedures for driving into the scenic area, but there are no signs indicating where to go. You might queue for a long time at the visitor center and then be told which way to go. Once inside the scenic area, there's no one to help you because it's so large; you have to find things yourself.
Finally, let's talk about other things.
Some roads leading to the accommodation areas within the scenic area are quite narrow, making it difficult for cars to pass each other. We visited two of the four valleys. Bailang Valley had an extremely bad road, and the entrance to the middle valley cost 10 yuan from the local Tibetans. The entire Zhalagou Valley is paved, but we didn't go all the way to the end; we only drove for forty minutes before turning back. It's quite a long road.
Basomtso
闲庭漫步30October 16, 2026
5.0
The experience was excellent. It's so convenient for tourists who don't drive to get to Yamdrok Lake. The driver was also very nice and made sure to stop at each viewpoint for a good amount of time so that tourists could enjoy the view and take photos. Thumbs up!
Yamdrok Yumtso
李肢强October 8, 2026
5.0
Visiting Jokhang Temple again after many years, the entrance has been significantly improved, making it look more like a proper tourist attraction. The interior remains the same, but the management is more comprehensive; however, the third floor is no longer open to the public. It's a must-see attraction on any trip to Lhasa.
Jokhang Temple
Anonymous userJuly 31, 2026
5.0
When visiting Lhasa, seeing the Princess Wencheng Theater is a must-do attraction. The theater is quite large, with a museum nearby, and the Potala Palace is visible in the distance directly opposite. It's definitely worth a visit.
Princess Wencheng Theater
Michelle Okano AnzanelloSeptember 26, 2023
4.0
Barkor Street where you can buy souvenirs for a fair price. On weekends you will find many locals on their way to Jokhang Temple. If you want some Western food, I’m this street also has a KFC and Pizza Hut.
Barkhor Street
cat litter boxesAugust 2, 2026
5.0
The Tibet Museum boasts a rich and precious collection, comprehensively showcasing the long history and unique folk culture of the Tibetan Plateau. Thangka paintings, gold and silver artifacts, and Buddhist relics are particularly noteworthy, and the exhibition halls are clearly and easily understood. Admission is free, but advance reservations are required. It's an ideal place to learn about Tibet before your actual trip, making for a fulfilling and meaningful experience.
Tibet Museum
梅友55August 28, 2026
5.0
Kadinggou boasts beautiful scenery, with waterfalls echoing through the valleys. The myths and legends associated with the mountains and rocks bring joy to the soul! Traveling alone and joining a day tour is incredibly convenient; there's no shopping, the time is well-planned, and it's an unforgettable experience!
Kadinggou Scenic Area
